Software Team Extension Services

As businesses around the globe continue to navigate the challenges of rapid technological advancements and competitive market landscapes, the strategic deployment of IT resources has become crucial.

Team extension has emerged as a highly effective strategy for companies needing to scale quickly and efficiently. This approach not only boosts capacity but also injects specialized expertise, particularly in software development and project management, paving the way for growth and innovation.

The benefits for businesses considering team extension are clear: access to global talent, cost efficiency, and the ability to swiftly adapt to changing technological needs.

However, this model also necessitates a thorough understanding of the differences between it and other forms of outsourcing, such as project-based or fully outsourced teams. As the market evolves, being well-versed in these nuances will be crucial for companies aiming to leverage external resources to maintain competitive advantage and foster innovation.

What Is an Extended Team Model and How Does Team Extension Work?

The extended team model is a strategic approach within IT team extension, where businesses include skilled professionals from outside to supplement their in-house team.

This model is particularly beneficial in scenarios where specific tech expertise is required on a temporary or project basis but isn’t justified for permanent in-house development.

In practice, the extended team works seamlessly alongside the in-house team, managed by the same corporate rules and integrated into the company’s development process. This allows for a cohesive work environment and ensures that all team members, whether in-house or extended, are aligned with the project’s objectives and timelines.

Team extension not only enriches a company’s resource pool but also enhances flexibility in managing dynamic market demands and project scopes.

Benefits of Team Extension

The team extension model offers a range of benefits that can enhance the operational capabilities of your business. By incorporating an extended team, companies leverage external expertise and resources seamlessly integrated with their in-house developers, ensuring a cohesive development process. This approach not only enriches the technical capacity of the company but also offers flexibility in project management and execution.

Team Extension Gives You Access to a Vast Talent Pool

Team extension allows companies to tap into a global pool of skilled professionals without the geographical limitations associated with traditional hiring.

This is particularly advantageous for projects requiring specialized tech expertise that may not be available locally.

Team Extension Services Are Cost Efficient

A team extension model can significantly reduce operational costs compared to hiring a full-time, in-house team. This model eliminates the need for extensive HR processes, long-term employee benefits, and other overhead costs of hiring in-house developers.

Additionally, team extension often involves partnering with professionals in regions with lower labor costs, which can further optimize expenditure. You can allocate these saved resources towards other critical areas of development, enhancing overall project efficiency and profitability.

You can Manage the Extended Team Yourself

Because extended team members are your team members, it is possible to manage them independently. In another outsourcing model, you will need a project management company that keeps in contact with you throughout the project and can handle everything.

You can assign project managers to your extended team or request that your team extension partner provide the managers and project management tools.

Hiring an Extended Team Allows Access to Niche Skills

Some projects may require finding additional professionals to improve the development process, add to the tech expertise, and accelerate project timelines. In such cases, the extended team can help expand your global talent pool by hiring developers with particular skills.

Extended Team Improves Risk Management

Having an extended team diversifies the knowledge and approaches used within a project, contributing to better risk management. External professionals bring new perspectives that can identify potential issues early, propose innovative solutions, and implement robust risk mitigation strategies. This collective expertise and oversight enhance project resilience and reduce the likelihood of costly delays or failures.

What Should You Consider Before Hiring an Extended Team

You might have some expectations with the extended team model, and we’re here to give you realistic predictions. There are some crucial factors to consider to facilitate effective integration between in-house developers and the extended team.

Cultural and Operational Fit

Integrating an extended team with your in-house developers involves more than just technical capabilities—it also includes aligning with your company’s culture and operational procedures. This cultural fit is critical as it affects communication, collaboration, and the overall work environment.

It’ll Take Time to See Results

The team extension model is valuable but doesn’t offer immediate results and shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix for a complex challenge. It takes time for the extended team developers to adjust and for the in-house team to integrate the new hires into their dedicated development team.

Building a cohesive team dynamic is essential for effective collaboration and innovation.

Security and Intellectual Property Protections

Companies have highly sensitive data and resources that need protection and management. Before working with an extended team, protect your intellectual property and partner up with a trusted team extension service provider.

Your tech partner should be able to provide legal agreements defining the handling of sensitive information. Professional service providers will train their employees on this subject and offer to sign the NDA even before the first interview.

When Should You Consider Team Extension Services?

Team extension can supplement and aid your existing team, but you might not realize your company’s needs to outsource some of its functions. We prepared a short list of signs to show your readiness and the necessity of hiring an extended team.

Your Existing Team has Technical Skill Gaps

When projects require specialized skills unavailable within the internal team, such as emerging tech capabilities or niche programming expertise, companies often turn to extended teams to fill these gaps efficiently.

You have a Short-term Project Coming Up

For projects with a limited duration that do not justify the long-term investment in hiring full-time employees, an extended team can provide the necessary workforce without long-term commitments.

You Notice the Increase of the Workload

When current projects exceed the capacity of the in-house team, an extended team can augment the existing workforce to handle increased demand without disrupting the workflow of current employees.

You’re Planning a Market Expansion

Companies entering new markets may use extended teams to quickly establish a local presence with professionals with the requisite market knowledge and cultural familiarity, facilitating smoother entry into these markets.

You Don’t Have Experience in Hiring a Dedicated Team

Companies will often turn to staffing and outsourcing agencies to find tech professionals. Hiring developers and IT experts has become increasingly complex, even if you have the most reliable software development company. Businesses will contact a service provider and use an extended team model to avoid recruiting and hiring headaches.

How to Find a Reliable Team Extension Partner?

Now that you know when you might need an extended team and you know what to expect from them, it’s time to find a reliable extension partner.

Here’s a list of steps you need to take to find the best tech partner. This information is gathered after 12+ years of working in the industry and providing efficient development services, including asking clients how they found us and what they’d improve.

Identify Your Project Requirements

Define your project needs precisely, including the specific stages of software development and the technology expertise required. This clarity will help you effectively communicate with potential partners and find an extended team that matches your technical needs.

Vet Potential Tech Partners and Evaluate Their Reviews

Conduct thorough research on potential vendors specializing in software development. Examine their proven track record through client testimonials and portfolio reviews to assess their capability in handling projects similar to yours.

To understand their work ethics and trustworthiness, gauge past and current client satisfaction, check reviews and references. Direct feedback from these clients can provide invaluable insights into the tech partner’s reliability and quality of work.

Assess Cultural Compatibility and Communication Strategies

Assess how well the tech team’s culture and operational methods mesh with your existing team. A harmonious integration enhances team management and overall project efficiency.

Ensure that the communication processes of the remote developers align with your team’s practices. Transparent and frequent communication is crucial for synchronizing the development process and avoiding misunderstandings.

Discuss Collaboration Models

Align with a dedicated team model that suits your project scope and budget. This discussion should ensure that the team extension model flexibly meets your evolving project needs.

For example, here at Glorium Technologies, we have three team extension approachs: IT outstaffing, staff augmentation, and dedicated teams. Each model has its’ own unique offer and answers your specific needs. If you’d like to learn more about our models, take a look at our offers or contact our experts for a free consultation.

Clarify Terms and Conditions and Establish an Exit Strategy

Negotiate a clear contract detailing intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and data handling to safeguard your interests. Ensure the partner provides an effective, safe NDA.

Additionally, plan for the potential dissolution of the partnership, setting out the conditions under which either party may terminate the agreement and the procedures for transferring responsibilities and resources. Both engagement and disengagement processes should be clear and direct.

Takeaway

Incorporating an extended dedicated development team into your business operations can significantly enhance your ability to meet technical demands, speed up project completion, and expand your development capacity.

By partnering with Glorium Technologies, you can gain our extensive expertise, proven methodologies, and a vast network of highly skilled professionals.